IRD Media Statement - Douglas White Report
22 December 2004
Inland Revenue clarifies position on confidentiality following Douglas White report
Inland Revenue today clarified its position on taxpayer confidentiality, following requests for comment on the content
of the report released yesterday by Douglas White QC.
"Inland Revenue will not comment on the tax affairs of any individual. Confidentiality of a person's tax affairs is
fundamental to the operation of the tax system and is embedded in the law," stated Robin Oliver, Acting Commissioner of
Inland Revenue.
"Everyone has the right to expect their personal tax affairs to remain a matter between themselves and Inland Revenue
and the department goes to considerable lengths to meet this legal obligation," Mr Oliver said.
The recently released report by Douglas White QC confirmed the importance of Inland Revenue maintaining tax
confidentiality. The report states (paragraph 6.24): "The Commissioner of Inland Revenue has indicated to me that when
matters of this sort come to his attention, they are duly investigated to the extent necessary."
ENDS